“ Exactly as described; &#039; Not tough for people who are used to navigating NYC including up and down subway stairs.&#039; but I think next time I&#039;ll try light hiking boots instead of sneakers as there are lots of rocks on some of the trails. ”

“ People who I met today are friendly though I haven't get a chance to interact with all of them. Still being kind of shy at the first activity. Thanks to Kevin for his warm greeting in the morning. Nice meeting with Monica, Sicilia, Kate, and Wei Mei. :) ”

“ Nice and friendly Meetup group ! Overall a down-to-earth vibe with a collective interest in nature, fitness, and socializing. The organizer is a helpful guide through the trails/hikes and encourages camaraderie. Leader creates a natural group bonding experience. ”

“ This hike's group was a very pleasant, diverse one of mixed-age men and women. We all intermingled well and had much to chat about during the almost 2 hour, quite easy hike around the Island. There were several 'first-timers' like myself as well as those who had been on some past hikes. The two group leaders and those who had done past hikes were very friendly and welcomed all as we met up outside the Chase branch. It really was a very pleasant day trip and included Manhattan no less! I was most impressed and look forward to joining you for more during Summer, 2011. ”

“ Wow - so glad I went on Sunday intro hike, July 2010. Very friendly and comfortable. Thanks to all who organized and led the hikes. I hope Sundays become a regular day for the hikes...easier for me to get to than Saturday. ”

“ This is a great Meet-Up. Werner the hike leader and Albert the security patrolperson did a perfect job making sure that everyone was fine and on the trail. It looked as if everyone had a wonderful time. This group is now on top of my list of favorites. I feel blessed to have found it and am grateful for Meet-Up.com.
Thank you. ”

We're about:

Every Saturday morning, we meet up for a friendly hike through the nature trails of Forest Park in Queens. We also hike to other locations for which we'll give ample notice.

Who:

Anyone who wants to escape into nature for a little while. Our hikes will take us over dirt paths, over fallen logs, and up and down easy hills. We average around 3 miles. Our highest hill is equal to about 3 to 4 flights of subway stairs in elevation. If you commute every day, you will be fine. No one will be left behind. One of the organizers or regular hikers will act as a "sweeper" for the group.

When:

Every Saturday morning (weather permitting) at 10:30 am. We wait 15 minutes for late comers and start the hike PROMPTLY at 10:45 am. Organizers will email hikers that morning if the hike is cancelled for any reason.

RSVP:

1. Please RSVP to our hikes. If your plans change, kindly remove yourself from the RSVP list, so that those waiting get bumped up.

2. Please arrive on time.

3. Please do not attend if you did not RSVP or if your name is still on the waiting list. There will always be another hike in the near future, so be sure to RSVP to the next available one.

How Long:

Our hikes range from 1 to 1.5 hours. It varies depending on the trails chosen that day, the weather conditions, and the members who are hiking.

What:

Bring a bottle of water and wear sturdy walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS: We do not offer phoned directions. The information listed below is enough for anyone with a computer to find our meetup location.

Street parking is available on Metropolitan Ave. and Park Lane South by Wallenberg Square. Please give yourself time to find a spot.

By Mass Transit:

Wallenberg Square is located on the southwest corner of Metropolitan Avenue and Park Lane South. It's across the street from the building at 116-40 Park Lane South, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. We meet by the benches of the square. Take the E or F train to Union Turnpike and exit on the south side of Queens Boulevard. Take the Q37 bus at Duane Reade for a 5 minute ride to Metropolitan Avenue. It will leave you at Wallenberg Square. Alternatively, take the LIRR to Kew Gardens and walk south on 83rd Ave. for 3 blocks and make a right onto Metropolitan Ave. and go for 2 blocks to Park Lane South.

Subway: Union Turnpike - South side exit. Then take the bus is Q37 at subway exit in front of Duane Reed drugstore. It is about a 5 min ride and stops at Metropolitan ave exactly across the street from our meetup point at Wallenberg square. If you feel ambitious, you can walk from the subway station which will take about 10 minutes.

Dogs:

Dogs are allowed on our hikes but they must be on leash at all times per NYC leash laws, and owners are responsible for all behavior/actions of their dogs.

Sign In:

We require that all Hikers sign a waiver (called the Acknowledgment of Participant Responsibility, Express Assumption of Risk, and Release of Liability) at the start of each event. You can read the waiver on the “About” page.

Legal:

By joining this group or attending a meeting, you agree that you participate in our events at your own risk and agree that the organizers are not responsible for anything unfortunate that may happen during the meetings.